FDA, CDC investigate listeria outbreak at Prairie Farms Dairy in Fort Wayne: Report

Investigators suspect that nutritional shakes produced by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. in Fort Wayne are the source of a listeria outbreak that has resulted in 12 deaths and 38 reported illnesses across 21 states. The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreak, which has primarily affected individuals in long-term care facilities. The recalled shakes, sold under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, were pulled from distribution on Saturday. An FDA inspection of the Fort Wayne facility found Listeria monocytogenes on three environmental swabs in the processing area, with genetic analysis linking the bacteria to the strain responsible for the outbreak, report the Journal Gazette.

Prairie Farms CEO Matt McClelland expressed deep concern and stated that the company has voluntarily recalled the affected products and ceased production at the facility. The outbreak, which has been traced back to cases as early as 2018, saw a significant number of infections—20 cases—reported in 2024 alone. Listeria infections can cause severe symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, confusion, and convulsions, with symptoms appearing anywhere from the same day to 10 weeks after exposure. The FDA has advised customers and distributors to stop using the affected products and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with them. The investigation remains ongoing, with updates expected as more information becomes available.